 In 2000, the Panthers went 7-9, and then the following season went 1-15. In 2004, the Texans went 7-9, and then the following season went 2-14.

 After these dreadful, losing seasons, the Panthers hired John Fox, a promising coach who had been a NFL defensive coordinator since 1994, and the Texans hired Gary Kubiak, a promising coach who had been a NFL offensive coordinator since 1995. Fox was 46 when he was hired, and Kubiak was 44. Both coaches are reputed to have good people skills and a confident presence.

 In 2001, the Panthers picked a freakishly gifted ACC defensive end, Julius Peppers with their first pick, and a 6'1, 231 lb SEC linebacker, Will Witherspoon with the third pick. In 2006, the Texans picked a freakishly gifted ACC defensive end, Mario Williams with their first pick and a 6'1, 236 lb SEC linebacker DeMeco Ryans with their second pick.

 In 2002, the Panthers went 7-9, mostly based on their vast improvements on the defensive side of the ball. According to the Panther's website

The six-game improvement was the largest in the NFL in 2002 and, only two rookie head coaches have had a more significant impact on their team's record since the NFL implemented a 16-game schedule in 1978, Jim Haslett in 2000 and Bobby Ross in 1992.

 Carolina's defense became the only unit since the NFL merger in 1970 to improve to second in the NFL in overall defense after placing last the previous season.

 The Panthers ranked in the top five of 10 different defensive categories, leading the NFL in rushing yards per attempt and sacks per pass play, ranking second in third down efficiency and third in first downs allowed per game.

The 52 sacks recorded by Carolina in 2002 more than doubled the total of the previous season and are the second highest in team history.

 In 2003, the Panthers went 11-5, made the playoffs and beat Dallas in the wildcard.

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In 2006, of course, the Texans didn't go 7-9, instead they went 6-10. Both the offense and defense were improved over 2005 (wouldn't be hard). The defense improved over the course of the year and the offense stagnated with injuries to the line, running back carousels, and only one QB available for the last part of the year.

The biggest difference in 2007 over 2006 is that Kubiak knows his personnel a lot better. He isn't going into the season suggesting that the secondary is a strength of the team because it features two first round picks as CB. Or goofing around starting Hodgdon at center. Or thinking he can get through a season with rookie running backs.

Of course, the biggest difference between Carolina/Texans is that Fox is defensive minded and Kubiak is offensive minded. I believe that in looking at what Kubiak has done draft/free agent wise, he likes getting system guys for offense and the best players available for defense figuring that he can take care of his side of the ball but has to get some special athletes for the defensive side of the ball.

Another difference is that Carolina had some early success as a franchise because they were able to take advantage of the salary cap before teams figured out how to keep their best players. The Texans say that they believe they will win each game, but to say something is different than actually doing it. The Texans have had so many "there we go again" moments, that they really do need to develop that expectation of winning.

Anyway, I thought this old post might be interesting, so there you have it.

Of course, the biggest difference between Carolina/Texans is that Fox is defensive minded and Kubiak is offensive minded. I believe that in looking at what Kubiak has done draft/free agent wise, he likes getting system guys for offense and the best players available for defense figuring that he can take care of his side of the ball but has to get some special athletes for the defensive side of the ball.

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so if we always draft defense 1st and kubes is right and he can make our offense work with 3rd and later round draft picks that should be one heck of an advantage on the rest of the league.

Welcome back, you were missed last week. No more vacations the first week of the season. Hope you had a great time. Looking forward to reading you on fanhouse this week. And btw, I hope we see a great game this afternoon, which means the Texans fight hard, play well, and win.

IMHO this will be a TOUGH day for the Texans, BUT, anything is possible when you fight hard enough for it, and our Texans will have a fight on their hands today. I'm keeping the faith though and playing three of them on my FF team today! Since preseason our boys have shown so much enthusiasm and passion, I just can't help but believe it will prove useful to them today.